History Extra podcast What should we do with the Nazis? The road to the Nuremberg Trials
Nov 16, 2025
Philippe Sands, an international lawyer and author, dives into the groundbreaking Nuremberg Trials—history's first international criminal trial. He discusses the urgent need for justice following World War II and the innovative legal concepts that emerged, like crimes against humanity and genocide. Sands recounts the challenges in drafting the Nuremberg Statute, the pivotal roles of individuals like Raphael Lemkin, and the symbolism behind choosing Nuremberg as the trial site. The conversation highlights the monumental shift in international law birthed from this historic event.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Early Planning Made The Trial Possible
- Preparations for Nuremberg began years before VE Day, with planning from 1942 and commitments from governments-in-exile.
- Yalta in February 1945 formalized a trial despite Churchill preferring summary executions.
Targeting Leaders, Not Foot Soldiers
- Negotiators targeted senior leaders, not low-level perpetrators, focusing on those who planned and directed crimes.
- They also created new international crimes like crimes against humanity and crimes against peace.
Nuremberg Statute: A Rapid Legal First
- The Nuremberg Statute was negotiated rapidly in London by four powers and set the first international criminal rules.
- Robert Jackson led negotiations and shaped the tribunal's legal framework.
